While ashwagandha has been used as a health supplement for centuries, it’s gaining popularity in the wellness world due to its fantastic health benefits. In fact, you’ve most likely heard of it before in the context of health.
But what exactly is it? Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and Africa, and its root powder has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian holistic healing system. It’s often referred to as “Indian ginseng” because of the chemicals inside it that are structurally similar to the chemicals found in ginseng. Interestingly, the name “ashwagandha” translates to “smell of a horse” due to the unique, earthy smell of the root of this herb. But don’t let this fact deter you—the health benefits are amazing!
You may be wondering what makes ashwagandha such a great supplement. Let’s face it: life can be hectic, and we all experience stress from time to time. Thankfully, ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body resist and adapt to both physical and mental stress and promotes a sense of calm. So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, ashwagandha might just be your secret relaxation weapon!
But there’s more! Like Stellar Biotics’s del-IMMUNE V® supplements, ashwagandha is known to support a healthy immune system. During cold and flu season especially, it’s vital to take care of our immune systems, and this herb can give your body’s defense mechanisms an extra boost. Some studies have shown that ashwagandha can increase the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and keeping your immune system strong.
Yet another benefit of ashwagandha is its positive effect on brain function. Studies suggest that this powerhouse supplement can be used as a nootropic, a substance used to improve your cognitive functions like memory and focus. In fact, a 2021 study and a 2022 study showed that supplementation with ashwagandha root and leaf extract improved some measures of executive function, a set of mental skills that we use daily to learn, do our jobs, and manage our lives. Namely, ashwagandha supplementation helped improve study subjects’ focus and increased short-term memory in healthy young adults, making it perfect for those who want a natural alternative to traditional medications that address focus and memory issues.
Now, here’s an unexpected benefit—ashwagandha might help you catch some quality ZZZs! If counting sheep isn’t doing the trick for you, this herb might just be worth a shot. Ashwagandha has been linked to improved sleep quality and decreased insomnia symptoms. So, say goodbye to tossing and turning and hello to sweet dreams! The great thing is, it’s unlike melatonin in that it will not make you tired once you take it—that would be bad if you took it earlier in the day. It simply improves your sleep quality when you do decide to hit the hay.
Let’s touch on a few more benefits, because ashwagandha is just that amazing. Some studies suggest that it may help regulate blood sugar levels, support healthy hormone levels, and even manage stress-related weight gain. And best of all, ashwagandha does all these things while being generally
Remember, as with any supplement or herb, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine, especially if you're on any medications or have underlying health conditions. And while we know that ashwagandha is generally safe for healthy adults to consume, don’t forget to do your own research on any supplement you want to take!
So there you have it—an introduction to the incredible health benefits of this multifaceted herb, ashwagandha. From stress management to immune support, improved sleep to enhanced cognition, this herbal gem has plenty to offer for the wellness warrior that you are! This certainly makes it a great option to add to your supplement stack along with your del-IMMUNE V®.
I added a bit to this paragraph, but unfortunately I couldn’t add much more because there aren’t long-term studies on the safety of ashwagandha.
